Munich, November 5, 2026
An international team of researchers has discovered two previously unknown species of howler monkeys in the Amazon Rainforest through genetic analysis. The study shows once again that the world\u2019s largest rainforest harbors even greater biodiversity than previously thought. The researchers have now published their findings in the journal Communications Biology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For their study, researchers at the University of Salford analyzed the genomes of 11 howler monkey species from South and Central America in collaboration with international collaborators, including SNSB zoologist Anneke van Heteren. Surprisingly, they discovered two new species: the Pantepui Red Howler Monkey Alouatta iroi in the northern Amazonia in Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela, and the Mato Grosso Red Howler Monkey Alouatta matogrossensis in the Brazilian Amazonia, south of the lower Amazon. The research team combined its genomic analyses with morphological data from museum specimens, including those from the Zoological Department of the Bavarian State Natural History Collections. The result is the most comprehensive reconstruction to date of the evolutionary history of howler monkeys, which are native exclusively to Central and South America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These findings come 85 years after the last howler species was described in 1941. The study also provide a major update to scientists’ understanding of how this primate genus evolved and spread across the Amazon region. The researchers found that major rivers such as the Amazon, the Rio Branco, and the Rio Xingu have acted as natural barriers for millions of years. These barriers prevent populations from mixing, allowing them instead to evolve into distinct species. These geographical barriers have contributed significantly to the extraordinary biodiversity observed throughout the Amazon Basin today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The researchers also found evidence that several of the populations studied are at significant risk of extinction, including the two newly identified species. In particular, the large-scale destruction of rainforest to create farmland is depriving these animals of their essential habitat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jean Boubli Professor of Primate Ecology and Evolution at the University of Salford and one of the lead authors said: \u201cThis discovery comes at a critical time, as increasing deforestation, climate change and habitat loss threaten many Amazonian species before they are fully understood or even discovered by science. We hope these findings will help conservation organisations identify the most vulnerable populations and prioritise protection efforts across the Amazon Basin.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Romina Batista, also from the University of Salford, said: “Our study shows that the Amazon still holds remarkable biological secrets, even among relatively well-known animals such as the primates \u2013 including the two howler monkeys. 26 new species have been discovered since 2000. These findings are particularly important because many of these populations are facing increasing pressure from habitat loss and environmental change. Understanding the different species in existence is the first step towards protecting them.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Co-author Anneke van Heteren of the Bavarian State Collections of Natural History says: \u201cOur study shows once again how important large scientific collections are for assessing the current state of life on our planet. Life on Earth is constantly changing\u2014collections help us discover and understand these changes. Even new discoveries, such as the two howler monkey species in this study, can only be reliably identified by comparing them with already known species.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Publication:<\/strong>
Batista, R., Semedo, T.B.F., Beck, R.M.D. et al. Genome-wide analyses reveal recent diversification and hidden diversity in Amazonian howler monkeys, including two new species. Commun Biol (2026). https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s42003-026-11187-8<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n